Funding under the “Transport Connectivity” Programme 2021–2027 has been approved for two key sections of the Ruse – Veliko Tarnovo Motorway — namely, the Ruse–Byala section and the Byala bypass. The announcement was made during the seventh meeting of the Programme Monitoring Committee, held in Sofia.
The total investment for both sections is nearly BGN 2 billion, of which more than BGN 1 billion comes in the form of non-repayable financial assistance from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
The highway is part of the core TEN-T network and of the European transport corridor Baltic Sea – Black Sea – Aegean Sea. The new route will increase capacity and traffic safety, reduce travel times, and improve connectivity across Northern Bulgaria.
During the session, the second procedure for the development of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure along the TEN-T road network was also presented. It aims to establish publicly accessible charging stations to enhance traffic management. The procedure will have a total budget of BGN 32 million and is expected to open for applications in the autumn.
Additionally, a new procedure is set to launch for the development of shore-side electricity infrastructure at seaports included in the TEN-T network. This measure, with a total budget of BGN 49 million, is intended to enable ships to draw power from land-based sources, reducing emissions and environmental impact in both seaports and inland waterways.
These initiatives will contribute to enhanced intermodality, innovation, transport safety, and environmental sustainability.
